And any man who knows a thing knows, he knows not a damn, damn thing at all
And every time I felt the hurt and I felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze

How did Mandela get the will to surpass the everyday
When injustice had him caged and trapped in every way
How did Gandhi ever withstand the hunger strikes and all
Didn't do it to gain power or money if I recall
It's to give; I guess I'll pass it on
Mother thinks it'll lift the stress of Babylon
Mother knows, my mother she suffered blows
I don't know how we survived such violent episodes
I was so worried, and hurt to see you bleed
But as soon as you came out the hospital you gave me sweets
Yeah, they try to take you from me
But you still only gave 'em some prayers and sympathy
Dear mama, you helped me write this, by showing me to give is priceless

And any man who knows a thing knows, he knows not a damn, damn thing at all
And every time I felt the hurt and I felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze

All I can say is the worst is over now
We can serve the hard times, divorce is over now
They try to keep us out, but they doors is open now
My nigga Akon is getting awards for covers now
This is K'naan, and still reppin' the S
Comin' out of Mogadishu and still draped in the mess
And no matter how we strong, homie
It ain't easy coming out of where we from, homie
And that's the reason why, I could never play for me
Tell 'em the truth, is what my dead homies told me
Oh yeah, I take inspiration from the most heinous of situations
Creating medication out my own tribulations
Dear Africa, you helped me write this, by showing me to give is priceless

And any man who knows a thing knows, he knows not a damn, damn thing at all
And every time I felt the hurt and I felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze

Nothing is perfect man, that's what the world is
All I know is
I'm enjoying today
You know, 'cause it isn't everybody that you get to give

And any man who knows a thing knows, he knows not a damn, damn thing at all
And every time I felt the hurt and I felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze

8 Comments

General CommentI love this song! I had never even heard of knaan until I went to a Jason Mraz concert and he was the opener.

I think this song is a reminder to not be so high-strung, anxious or angry.. just to take a minute and let things that are happening, happen. I think the lyrics "And every time I felt the hurtin'
I felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall" sometimes when you're feeling low or just not full on life, giving is a great way to lift you up, it doesnt have to be objects, more like love.

General CommentNo doubt 2nd best song on the Troubadour album after People Like Me. This is a great song and one of the songs that make the album amazing. K'naan puts so much emotion into every song he writes and lets you feel his struggle.
I think this song is about no matter how hard it gets for you, there is worse things happening to other people. Stop thinking about yourself and your struggles and move on with your life cause eventually your day will come. Beautiful Lyrics.

General CommentThis song is one of the most beautiful soulful songs ever.

I think this song is saying that life may be hard for you but your not the only one struggling. People that think they know how hard life can get are actually clueless because they haven't seen the world.

General CommentI never even really liked rap until i heard K'naan and now he's like the only think i listen to hes like a god.

To me the meaning of this song is that if things look rough just take a minute and breathe. And what most people think is rough is nothing compared to the kids in places like where K'naan grew up (Somalia) and that if you feel down or depressed just get up and give. That's what i think the meaning to this song is i could be wrong though.

General CommentWhat a fantastic song; love the video hereyoutube.com/…

He seems so humble compared to most rappers; and singing about Mandela, Ghandi, Bob Marley in the video; it made more sense when I learned he is from Somalia. That is what "reppin the S" must refer to.
"Comin' out of Muqdisho"
should be
"Comin' out of Mogadishu" (capital of Somalia)
Great review heretorontolife.com/features/prince-little-mogadishu/